ANNIE SILVESTER/Bullet News
A picture perfect day saw throngs of people line the streets of St. Catharines Saturday for the 61st annual Grape and Wine Festival Parade.
This year?s theme ?History Comes Alive? commemorated the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and was showcased with historical reenactments by actors in period attire as well as members of the First Nations marching at the beginning of the procession.
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All the usual suspects dotted the streets as well, including majorettes, drum corps, floats, community groups and more.
Kimberly Hundertmark, executive director of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, was enthused about the day?s event that was expected to draw about 75,000 along the parade route.
?This is a grand tradition and people from far and wide across Ontario and Canada come out for this parade.? We have some amazing bands and this year we are introducing stand and show which is four different dance troops that are doing performances that they developed specifically for this event. We?re really excited about this year and everyone has really stepped up.?
Hundertmark says the parade is also great because it brings everyone together.
?I think it is a real recognition of our community spirit.? It?s the one time of the year that we really do come together here in Niagara.? We?re also celebrating an industry that is incredibly important to our economic sustainability and that is the grape and wine industry.?
Besides the parade itself Hundertmark says it has been a record breaking year with numbers.
?We had Platinum Blonde on opening night and they were amazing.? The talent on the WestJet stage has been really incredible.? The wine and culinary experiences in Montebello Park?again the partners are really delivering.?
Other aspects of the Grape and Wine celebration that continue throughout the weekend include the educational seminars in the park that feature Brock University and Niagara College students as well as the dairy farmers of Canada, cooking up a storm, instructing and pairing wines with foods.
One of the new elements added this year is the Buick Verano Caf? which is free fair trade coffees, lattes and cappuccinos in the park for folks who want something other than wine.
Says Hundertmark: ?We?re trying to make sure there is balance in the park so that everyone can enjoy.?
If you haven?t had a chance to visit the festival yet, there is still a lot to enjoy including a matinee disco party in the park today and lots of live music including Nik and the Nice Guys tonight.
Sunday will also be jammed packed full of activities and Burlington Band Walk Off the Earth who have recently shot to fame through You Tube will headline the evening?s music.
For a complete list of details please visit: www.niagarawinefestival.com
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